Alesis Vmini 25-Key Portable Keyboard Controller

I just got this for my birthday and it took me two days to figure out how to even download the software on windows 10. I have only had it for 5 days and I have had an issue with it everyday.

Not enough room here to explain in detail, but for those with older OS versions, be sure to go to alesis.com and check system requirements for the external editor software that you will need to assign presets to the knobs, pads, and other control tweaks. Otherwise, they are assigned by default (or in some circumstances, not at all) and can't be changed. In my specific case, the device will work with both GarageBand in OSX 10.6.8 and Nuendo 4 in WIN 7, but the editor software will ONLY work in WIN 7. Not a huge deal for me since I run both on a single desktop in virtual, and use the same settings for knobs/pads in both, but be aware that assignments will work differently across different AUs/plugins and therefore may need to be changed depending on your need, so CHECK system requriements before you buy and be sure to have a MIDI chart for your fave instrument handy so you can get the desired result. Beyond that, the V Mini is a good little controller that worked right out of the box and performs all the basic functions expected of a standard MIDI controller. As the name suggests, it is "mini" - about half the size of a standard 49-key portable with a small footprint, which is great whether being used with a desktop, laptop, or tablet. For GarageBand users, it is almost exactly like having a physical version of the "Musical Typing" keyboard at your fingertips, which is what I wanted. I have no need for all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, so its simplicity is ideal for me. As a MIDI controller, it has few cons in terms of basic composition; the pressure-sensitive keys/pads offer great response, it performs all general functions as expected across multiple different applications and plugins, and the mod/pitch and octave controls are simple and easy to access. Possibly too restrictive for demanding live applications, unless being used solely as a trigger for pre-recorded lines/percussive accents/limited play within 1 octave, but for me, it does the job.

All and all a decent little controller. The bonus is the soft syth,not bad at all. It has got a lot of use already. The sensitivity might be a little touchy but nothing extreme.I'm not a five star kinda guy so....

Very helpful in getting creative with software apps

Great for beginners, and even intermediate music makers. There was no set up for me other than registering the product on the Alesis website. Once I plugged it in, GarageBand recognized it and I started marking music. Very simple and works well.

What I ordered, definitely is a starter piece of equipment